Photographer's Note

The Ka’ba

It is true that Allah commanded Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Isma`il (Ishmael) to build al-Ka`bah. It is also true that from the lineage of Isaac (the second son of Ibrahim) came a large number of prophets and messengers who never visited the Ka’bah. However, there are logical explanations as to why they did not visit the Ka’bah. It was not simply out of carelessness or ignorance. The following are reasons, which hopefully will clarify this issue.

First of all, we should clearly understand that Islam is the only real religion. Allah says:

*{The Religion before God is Islam (submission to His Will)...}* (Aal-`Imran 3:19)

Muslims believe that Islam is the religion of all prophets and messengers of Allah. That is from Adam up to Muhammad (peace be upon them all):

*{The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah - the which We have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein ...}* (Surat As-Shurah 42:13)

Yet, we should comprehend the difference between deen (religion) and Shari’ah (law). Deen (religion) is one; it is the essence of the message of all of the prophets, it is the belief in the oneness of Allah- al-tawhid. This was the call of every prophet and messenger. Shari’ah (the law) on the other hand, differs from time to time and from one nation to another. Allah says:

*{...To each among you have we prescribed a law and an open way...}* (Surat Al-Ma'edah 5:48}*

The only Shari’ah, which is valid throughout time and space is the shari’a revealed to Mohammad (peace be upon him). Obviously, the messages of Moses, Jesus, and others were limited to their people, their time, and their space. Hajj to Makkah and making Tawaf is in the Shari’ah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) but they were not required in the Shari’ah of Moses and Jesus. Therefore, the prophets and messengers between Ibrahim and Muhammad were not commanded by Allah to visit Makkah.

In addition, Muslims do not make pilgrimage to Makkah because it was the birthplace of the Prophet (peace be upon him), or the place in which he received the revelation. Rather, it is a command from Allah to pray in the direction of that particular place and to make the pilgrimage to it as a clear indication of the unity of the deen of Allah (religion), as well as the universality of the final message.

Salam Haya,
I haven't visited your gallery for a while, took a look today and found your beautiful pictures of Makkah. This view of Kaaba with thousands of people around it always amazes me and shows the power of your religion. Probably I shall never see this place, therefore I am happy to see it through your eyes. Thanks also for informative note.
Regards, Hanna

Hi Haya,
A nicely composed night shot. The exposure is well controlled and you managed to show the atmosphere successfully. I like the three layers where the midground provided the excitement. Well done!! Best regards and thanks.

Hi Haya!
The photo is great! I like your explanation note too. If there are more explanations and revealings of people's treditions, the chances of peaceful coexistence are higher, I think.
Thank you ever so much! Best regards!
Anton

I'd love to visit this place but as an atheist I dont think I'm allowed. Not sure if I agree with your statement that 'Islam is the only real religion'. Were'nt Christianity, Buddhism and Hunduism all founded before Islam?

Salam Haya!
This is a nice picture! Well done exposition, presenting good colours and sharp details. But the best in the picture is the subject, so interesting for us in the Occident. It's a place that probably I shall never visit, therefore it's very nice to see it through your lens, and with your very informative note. Shukran! The best way to respect each other is to learn about each other. It´s the way to coexist.
Shukran!
Zeca

haya haya haya , what can i say 3'eer eno the pic is amazing!! wow i am really happy that a lot of pic of saudi that as u said might really change how the world look at us ...god be with u o atmna i see more of ur pic's :)
regards , assma